Football 2 years ago

Below-par Roos need more hunger: Ryan

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Matthew Ryan of Valencia in action during a pre-season friendly between Bournemouth and Valencia at the Vitality Stadium on August 3, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Goalkeeper Mat Ryan has implored the Socceroos not to fall into the trap of complacency after being left winless in a third consecutive World Cup qualifier.

Australia were held 2-2 by Thailand in Bangkok on Tuesday night, a scoreline that flattered Ange Postecoglou's side, who were saved by two Mile Jedinak penalties.

Ryan, who had a busy night and made a couple of fine saves against the enthusiastic Thais, with a dire warning that Australia have to match the desire of other teams, who he claims are "willing to die" to make the World Cup, in Russia 2018.

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However he doesn't necessarily believe complacency has become an issue for the Socceroos, who are chasing a fourth straight finals appearance.

"That's the third performance in a row where we haven't probably been as convincing as we'd like to be," Ryan said.

"First and foremost we have to compete, and at the end of the day what's up for grabs is a position at the World Cup.

"We have to be aware that every team is willing to die in order to achieve that and we have to be better than them in that aspect.

"I think that's the first step for us, then we have to go about implementing our system of play and how we want to play.

"It's not good enough tonight."

Ryan singled out cheap turnovers as the Socceroos' worst offence, on a night nearly completely devoid of impetus in the final third.

He expects a thorough review from Postecoglou before the second half of the final qualifying phase starts in March.

But the Valencia gloveman did not go as far as to say there was reason to panic despite slipping to third in Group B behind Saudi Arabia and Japan.

"It's the halfway point of the stage now and if we can get back to what I know as a group we can do, we can go away and win every single game of this last qualifying stage," Ryan said.

"By doing that, we're going to qualify.

"There's no need for panic stations. We're still in a strong position, we're still undefeated."